Students score above state average

Wednesday, December 11, 2002

McCook Public Schools' eighth and 11th graders scored far above the state average in the 2001-2002 Nebraska math standards test administered earlier in the school year.

The schools' "report card" shows, however, McCook's fourth graders' scores are slightly below state averages.

Board President Jim Coady said the lower fourth grade scores indicate the district teaches a well-rounded curriculum, and is not teaching to state tests. "There's room for improvement, yes," Coady said, adding, "The upper grade results show that when students are ready to graduate, they've covered all the materials in the state standards."

Coady said the McCook district will work to further align its curriculum to state standards.

Nebraska Department of Education officials stated in a state-wide report card that nearly three of every four Nebraska fourth, eighth and 11th graders are proficient in NDE math standards.

Across the state:

- 78.09 percent of all fourth graders met or exceeded NDE math standards.

- 72.34 percent of all eighth graders met or exceeded NDE math standards.

- 71.01 percent of all 11th graders met or exceeded NDE math standards.

McCook's scores:

- 69.31 percent of fourth graders met or exceeded standards.

- 86.10 percent of eighth graders met or exceeded standards.

- 83.10 percent of 11th graders met or exceeded standards.

Dennis Berry, principal at McCook's junior high, said junior high officials were very pleased to exceed the state average by nearly 14 points, but added, "Our goal is to have 100 percent of students meeting or exceeding standards."

Coady said, overall, he was very pleased with McCook's scores. "If the drop-off had been in the upper grades, I'd be worried." He added, "But look for improvement next year."

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